Saudi Arabia warns against escalation of violence in Lebanon

May 8, 2008

Saudi Arabia today expressed deep concern at the recent escalation of violence in Lebanon and warned that conflict would only benefit foreign extremists.

“The Kingdom calls on parties standing behind the escalation to reconsider their calculations and to realize that the involvement of Lebanon in a blind strife will not achieve victory for any party except for the foreign forces of extremism which have been disrupting all sincere and honest efforts to end the political crisis in Lebanon,” an official told the Saudi Press Agency.

In the statement, Saudi Arabia called on all Lebanese parties to put the national interest above other considerations. It also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s firm commitment to helping Lebanon achieve security, peace and unity.